Cold drinks not so ‘cool’ this summer, say doctors

Beating the heat with cold drinks and ice-creams might not be such a smart idea this summer, warn doctors after seeing a spurt in summer ailments, especially water-borne diseases resulting in stomach infections.

The hot weather coupled with large diurnal variations with cool mornings, unusually hot afternoons, followed by cooler evenings, is leading to eye allergies, throat infections and nosebleeds.
Family physician Avinash Bhondwe, who practises on JM Road, said, “There is definitely an increase in patients suffering from gastroenteritis, cough and cold. Besides, conjunctivitis cases or sore eyes, as it is commonly known, and burning sensation in the eyes or redness due to prolonged exposure to sun is also being seen,” said Bhondwe.

However, the most common and most avoidable ailment that is bogging people down is low blood pressure due to dehydration and muscle cramps.

Dr Vivek Billampelly, a Kondhwa-based physician, said, “Summer causes imbalance of electrolytes in the body which help in maintaining good health. It is important to keep oneself hydrated as deficiency of electrolytes can lead to severe muscle cramps and dehydration,” said Billampelly.

Not only adults, but children also seem to be prone to summer ailments.

Pediatrician Sharad Agarkhedkar said that cases of skin infections, chickenpox, mumps and even occasional measles are on the rise. Besides, scarcity of water has led to spurt in waterborne diseases such as typhoid and hepatitis B infections.

Consumption of ice-creams, cold water and soft drinks, especially after coming home from the sun, leads to cases of sore throat and cold,” he said.

Doctors say that preventive measures against such common ailments are most simple and easy to follow.

“The first rule is safe drinking water; people should boil water and drink it. They should avoid cold water or soft drinks, especially ice in juices as it is extremely unhygienic,” said Billampelly.

Dr Agharkhedkar said equal importance must be laid on eating hygienic home food.

“Avoid eating out as food gets spoilt easily during summers and you may not be aware of the hygiene conditions and quality of food served outside. Children should always be given washed fruits and juices. Sugarcane juice should be avoided in afternoons, as it could be full of harmful bacteria,” said Agharkhedkar.

To prevent eye infections, doctors advise protection from direct exposure to sunlight.